Rating: Summary: Fresh Perspective Review: In the introduction he describes how giving is a pleasure. Jesus told us it is more blessed to give than to receive. On page 9 Carlson writes "Money is 'circulation.' It needs to flow." He doesn't limit giving to one arena either. He expands by adding, "If you want more love, or fun, or respect, or success, or anything else, the way to get it is simple: give it away" (p. 9). Being detached enhances objectivity and increases freedom. When a person is passionate about a process, it becomes a joy. Carlson reminds us that successful people find ways of overcoming challenges and are not limited by excuses. A few pages later he restates the point in an even stronger manner by writing "A life without worry is a life of abundance, a life well lived. That which we focus our attention on expands" (p. 59). Consequently, he admonishes us to think the proper thoughts to acquire the desired results. Carlson makes a point I've heard other writers make, i.e., we all have the need to be needed. "Those who are willing to help others are always paid bacak in one way or another" he tells us on page 70. He includes wise advice on thankfulness and making correct assumptions. This is a positive, encouraging, practical book.
Rating: Summary: 100 ideas on how to live a more abundant life Review: Presented are 100 different ideas for living a more abundant life with less worry, which in turn will help you make more money. Sample chapters: Become Less Reactive and More Responsive; Surround Yourself with Experts; Ask for What You Want; Work on "Knowing" instead of "Believing;" Let Go of Fearful Thoughts; Lighten Up.An inspiring little book you can read on the run (chapters are short). It's based on the simple premise that people have an innate capacity for happiness and when happy, we are much more competent, productive, and creative. It's a kind of roadmap of the various, often unconscious, distractions that create internal anger, depression and especially worry. When aware of these negative distractions, we are able to deal with each one more effectively and our lives are greatly improved. Carlson, a practicing psychologist and stress consultant, makes a powerful point that we have two psychological modes most of the time: Reactive and responsive. The reactive mindset impairs our judgement and decision -making; we are overly critical and negative. The responsive state of mind is relaxed; we see the big picture; we are flexible, calm and at our best. Your level of success is a direct relationship with the amount of time you spend in the responsive state of mind. A good, fast read that will pick you up and maybe change you for the better.
Rating: Summary: Investing in the Doctor! Review: Reading Dr. Richard Carlson's book "Don't Worry, Make Money", is a wise way to spend an afternoon. This book provides a lot of practical information, all in one readily accesible source. It is quite enjoyable reading material, offering a simple, yet effective, and easy to digest format. The book offers 100 specific tips, thoughts and reflections on how to make your life less stressful, how to keep things in the proper perspective, maximize your daily productivity, and make sure that you're receiving the well deserved pay that you're entitled to. A must buy for anyone continuing their own personal spiritual journey.
Rating: Summary: Investing in the Doctor! Review: Reading Dr. Richard Carlson's book "Don't Worry, Make Money", is a wise way to spend an afternoon. This book provides a lot of practical information, all in one readily accesible source. It is quite enjoyable reading material, offering a simple, yet effective, and easy to digest format. The book offers 100 specific tips, thoughts and reflections on how to make your life less stressful, how to keep things in the proper perspective, maximize your daily productivity, and make sure that you're receiving the well deserved pay that you're entitled to. A must buy for anyone continuing their own personal spiritual journey.
Rating: Summary: Like chatting with a real/good friend over coffee. Review: Reading Richard Carlson is like having coffee with a real good friend and chatting about life decisions. "Don't Worry, Make Money..." is somewhat mistitled because it is less about making money (or worry for that matter) but more about your quality of life. The thesis of the short book is rather simple -- there is abundance to be shared, we simply need to remove the roadblocks. Easier said than done - I agree. But we do need to take the first step.
There are at least three very distinct points, over and above the main thread of the book, that stuck with me: [1.] Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway!, [2.] The misnomer that you need to be uptight in order to succeed, and [3.] Help Someone Else Succeed.
In chapter 69 Carlson writes: "It's very helpful to remind yourself that, despite your fears, here you are. Somehow you have managed to survive it all. In this sense, all your worries have been a mirage -- a waste of time, irrelevant" (157). There is indeed a modicum of truth in this statement but over and above, fear makes us a little bit more cautious -- makes us take that second look, take that extra precaution -- that is not all bad. Unless we surrender totally to fear and slide into inactivity -- a little fear is a good thing. But as far as Carlson is concerned -- point taken.
In chapter 77, Carlson expounds yet again on the subject of fear. To borrow from Carlson, "The gentleman, in particular, was convinced that if a person was to follow my "program," as he put it, they would surely become apathetic, if not homeless! "If you're not uptight," he insisted, "you'll lose your drive." "Sadly, many people believe that if you aren't uptight and serious, you are doomed to failure. In my entire lifetime, I've never been more convinced that something is not true" (173). Well Richard, I hear the plea for a sense of perspective and the need for fun. Perhaps the message was not too clear or folks just simply refuse to think outside the box.
Lastly, and this issue rings the truest for me, in chapter 81 he writes: "Help Someone Else Succeed" (181). Success is something that is best shared. Carlson writes: "As you help others succeed, even in very small ways, it helps you redefine and reflect on your own goals, assumptions, and ways of doing things. If you suggest to someone else, for example, that they think of education as a lifelong process, it might remind you that you haven't taken a class in years. I'm often amazed at how my advice applies to my own life and my own success" (182). The point is that we need to think in terms of genuinely wanting others to succeed. Why not? It is something that is free and the goodwill developed is incalculable. Carlson, and I agree wholeheartedly, argues that general goodwill is just best all around.
I can understand how some might read this (or not) because they see it as soft and mushy and it will seem (and Carlson is cognizant of this) that we already knew all this. Well, it does not hurt to be reminded, once in while, just like having coffee at a cafe with a dear friend.
Miguel Llora
Rating: Summary: Great observations re: the power of letting go of your fears Review: Simply put, quick read and thoughtful insight into roadblocks we create in our lives. Carlson shows how to get fear out of your way to accomplish anything. Fun reading!
Rating: Summary: Handy review of self-imposed roadblocks to success Review: Stupid title; smart book. I agree with all of the previous reviewers. It is superficial, unoriginal, banal, and trite. Sometimes it goes on like the Middle-aged-man character on SNL or like Polonius in Hamlet. It is, on the other hand, useful. If a chapter is particularly useless or irritatingly banal, read on. In a few minutes, you're sure to fine a pearl or two in this oyster. Do not read this book if you are looking for a way to make a quick killing in the stock market, or real-estate, or whatever. This book will be way too superficial. Instead it deals with self-imposed road blocks to successful endeavors and relationships. It deals how to develop the kind of supportive relationships that build confidence, teach valuable skills, offer reality checks, and so on. There is nothing new in the book, nor is anything dealt with in depth, but the average reader will find something to which he has not paid enough attention. It's well worth the asking price and the time spent reading it -- many times over, if you can put some of the advice into action. Just one idea that strikes a nerve can change one's life. It's helped me.
Rating: Summary: Invest your money elsewhere Review: Superficial and trite, not to mention disorganized. Spend your money on a couple of good investment guides instead.
Rating: Summary: be happy and make money Review: That's what the book is about. The get stressed about making money, just do it. Get off your bum and do the job and make yourself a fortune, but don't forget how you got there and be generous once you get there. Be real and obtain your goals. Your goals are not unreachable. The good ideas are right in front of your face. These are some of the psychological barriers that Richard Carlson helps you get over in this book. I loved the read. You should read it too.
Rating: Summary: Don't Worry Make Money Review: The concepts in this book may not necessarily be new or even deeply profound , however this book serves as convenient reminder of some very HEALTHY PHILOSOPHIES about wealth and spirituallity. I always find it amusing that so many people are always looking for new earth shattering information on how to create wealth in their lives and at the same time will conveniently forget that natural laws govern . Mr. Carlson has done a wonderful job of reminding us about those natural laws.
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